The figures found in the Willow Tree Nativity collections are created with the same eye towards providing the viewer with peace and serenity that Susan’s other works do. Each piece reflects the emotion that one feels when they find themselves in a significant life changing event.

A person may wish to start with the small six piece nativity which contains sculptures of a 14″ Joseph, 11″ Mary and baby Jesus, and the shepherd and animals. The backdrop and metal star is available as an accessory, or you may want to select a larger nativity that will have all of the pieces needed to complete a set.

The fourteen piece nativity scene adds to the six piece set with individual sculptures of the three wise men, more animals, and a metal star backdrop. You can also add a creche, angel stand, and other accessories to this set that will make a distinct and beautiful piece. In the eighteen piece nativity you will find that two new sculptures of an ox and goat are also included in the beautiful scene. A person who wants to add more animals to their nativity scene can do so easily by including those provided as accessory figures.

Each piece of the Willow Tree Nativity is sculpted in clay by Susan Lordi. The sculptures are then sent to China where they are replicated using resin molds that contain every detail of the original sculpture. When the resin sculpture is completed, it is hand painted with four layers of thin water based paint before being cured and sent to locations throughout the world. (more…)

Susan Marker Lordi had previously been an internationally renowned artist in textiles before beginning a journey that would result in the art that she produced today that is in demand throughout the world. In 2000 Susan began sculpting her Willow Tree ornaments and figurines. The figures are very different from where she began her career as an artist. And yet, years after leaving college she found that her college notebooks contains the drawings and doodles that would one day be the impetus of Willow Tree.

The inspiration for Willow Tree is drawn from friends, family, and people that Susan knows. She is an observer of the relationships taking place around her. From those observations she is able to create the beautiful pieces that make up the collections that are offered.

The ornaments, figures, and boxes that make up the Willow Tree collections are inspiring and give an individual the opportunity to share a feeling or emotion with another person easily. Each sculpture is inspired by an event or an event that can be easily shared in sculpture.

When a person first sees the Willow Tree ornaments, they may think that these are wood sculptures. However, the ornaments are made from a mold created from the sculpture that Susan makes. The ornaments and figures are sculpted from clay that Susan works on in her Missouri studio. When an ornament or figure has been completed it is sent to China.

Once in China a mold is made from the sculpture. A resin is poured into the mold which provides an exact replica of the sculpture with each knife and sculpting etch on the figure. After being removed from the mold it is hand painted with four layers of thin water based paint. This paint is lead free and allows some of the ornaments to be used as cake toppers for weddings.

Upon completion of the painting process the sculptures are cured and sent to their destinations. Some stores have sold the Willow Tree line since its inception. The ornaments are also available through many Internet Sites. You will find that the figures and ornaments are also available on Susan’s Willow Tree website and the Demdaco website.

The figures are made using one of four skin tones and different hair colors. Susan is now working on expanding her collection to include other ethnicities in the sculptures. Her “Child of My Heart” figure is a tribute to a friend who is very involved with international adoption. (more…)

Included are the following items: 26106 Creche, 26005 Nativity, 26105 Shepherd and Stable Animals, 26027 Three Wisemen, 26007 Metal Star Backdrop, 26012 Angel of Prayer, 26104 Peace on Earth. Willow Tree is an intimate, personal line of angels, figurines, ornaments and keepsake boxes representing qualities and sentiments that make us feel close to others, heal wounds, or treasure relationships to living things. The name Willow Tree symbolizes that which is gestural, beckoning an (more…)

Celebrating the miracle of new life 5″h

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GratefulI’m so grateful for your friendship 9″h Willow Tree®by Susan LordiWillow Tree® hand-carved sculptures speak in quiet ways to heal, comfort, protect and inspire. Susan Lordi identifies emotions so important for us to convey, and renders them in simple, pure gestures. About Willow Tree®, Susan says, “I try to keep the interpretation of Willow Tree® open. I hope this makes it more personal, and allows the viewer to decide its meaning.”

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Good HealthAn abundance of health and happiness 5″h Willow Tree®by Susan LordiWillow Tree® hand-carved sculptures speak in quiet ways to heal, comfort, protect and inspire. Susan Lordi identifies emotions so important for us to convey, and renders them in simple, pure gestures. About Willow Tree®, Susan says, “I try to keep the interpretation of Willow Tree® open. I hope this makes it more personal, and allows the viewer to decide its meaning.”

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GenerationsMaking memories that last lifetimes 7″h Willow Tree®by Susan LordiWillow Tree® hand-carved sculptures speak in quiet ways to heal, comfort, protect and inspire. Susan Lordi identifies emotions so important for us to convey, and renders them in simple, pure gestures. About Willow Tree®, Susan says, “I try to keep the interpretation of Willow Tree® open. I hope this makes it more personal, and allows the viewer to decide its meaning.”

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Willow Tree® hand-carved sculptures speak in quiet ways to heal, comfort, protect and inspire. Susan Lordi identifies emotions so important for us to convey, and renders them in simple, pure gestures. About Willow Tree®, Susan says, “I try to keep the interpretation of Willow Tree® open. I hope this makes it more personal, and allows the viewer to decide its meaning.

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This Willow Tree wooden creche provides a beautiful backdrop for your Willow Tree Nativity set. The affixed star reminds admirers of the awe and wonder of the Christmas story. Measures approximately 19.7 x 11.2 inches.

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Included are the following items: 26106 Creche, 26005 Nativity, 26105 Shepherd and Stable Animals, 26027 Three Wisemen, 26007 Metal Star Backdrop, 26012 Angel of Prayer, 26107 Angel Stand, 26180 Ox and Goat, 10 Pack Go Green! Compressed Bamboo Towels. Willow Tree is an intimate, personal line of angels, figurines, ornaments and keepsake boxes representing qualities and sentiments that make us feel close to others, heal wounds, or treasure relationships to living things. The name (more…)

Willow Tree Angel of Miracles Ornament. Card reads: Trusting in life’s everyday miracles. 2 1/2″ Tall. Can be used as an ornament, or it can stand by itself. Made out of resin.

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Mother and Daughter Ornament Protect and cherish; give wings to fly 3.5″h Willow Tree®by Susan LordiWillow Tree® hand-carved sculptures speak in quiet ways to heal, comfort, protect and inspire. Susan Lordi identifies emotions so important for us to convey, and renders them in simple, pure gestures. About Willow Tree®, Susan says, “I try to keep the interpretation of Willow Tree® open. I hope this makes it more personal, and allows the viewer to decide its meaning.”

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